Learn the Essentials of DNS, BIND and DNSSEC

On February 25-March 1, 2013, Merit welcomes the Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) for a week of classes on DNS, BIND and DNSSEC. ISC is a non-profit organization formed in 1994 to continue the development of BIND, the most widely used name server software. In addition to leading BIND, ISC also provides training and consulting on DNS and related networking issues.

The courses offered in 2013 are:

Introduction to DNS & BIND
February 25-26, 2013

DNSSEC Implementation & Deployment Workshop
February 27-March 1, 2013

We are pleased to make these courses available to Merit Members for 40% off their normal prices. Please consider taking advantage of this rare opportunity for in-state training by the recognized leaders in DNS. Reduced prices are also available for other non-profit organizations, and greater savings apply if you register for both courses. Merit Members may also apply for scholarships to attend the class. Please see below for complete information.

Introduction to DNS & BINDFebruary 25-26, 2013

DNS is the glue that holds together communication on the Internet. Providing translation between IP addresses and domain names, DNS makes name-based browsing possible, identifies each host by name, and forms an essential part of every organization's network infrastructure. Every organization that provides network services for its users should have at least one staff person who is well trained on the principles of DNS and with the operation of BIND, by far the most commonly used DNS server application on the Internet.

This two-day, classroom-style course features lectures and hands-on labs, geared towards sysadmins and network administrators. ISC's experienced trainers will provide you with a solid grounding in DNS fundamentals, the operation of name servers and resolvers, building and administering BIND, and debugging DNS and name server issues. Hands-on labs will be included with each major topic.

Class Overview

A brief Internet history

DNS: goals and principles

Name servers: general operation

Resolver (client) configuration

Overview of BIND: the application

Building BIND: source code to binary

BIND daemon configuration

Utilities dig, checkconf, checkzone, rndc

Resource records and record types

Delegation of zones

Debugging DNS issues

Labs

Resolver configuration

Building BIND

Configuring BIND

Creating zones

Zone delegation

DNSSEC Implementation & Deployment WorkshopFebruary 27-March 1, 2013

The Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is a set of specifications for securing information within DNS. DNSSEC allows DNS clients to authenticate the origin of domain name data, thus improving data integrity. Like IPv6, DNSSEC is a new addition to the set of essential tools for network engineers, and it is being adopted and deployed by an increasing range of organizations.

This three-day workshop is designed for veteran networkers and sysadmins who need to know how to deploy DNSSEC for their organizations. Attendees are expected to be familiar with the UNIX environment (file structure, basic utilities) and with text editing in UNIX (vi or nano editor). A basic knowledge of TCP/IP addressing is also helpful but not required.

Details and Registration

Introduction to DNS & BIND will be held on February 25-26, 2013. DNSSEC Implementation & Deployment Workshop will be held on February 27-March 1, 2013. Classes will meet daily from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Merit's offices at 1000 Oakbrook Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Continental breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks are provided each day.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are available for these classes through the Merit Professional Learning scholarship program. Anyone from a Merit Member organization may apply for a scholarship if funding to attend is not otherwise available through the organization. Scholarship applications must be received by February 1, 2013. We are grateful to the Merit Community Supporters for their contribution to the scholarship program.